A partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is expected to begin early Saturday, following a failed Senate vote on new funding tied to immigration enforcement reforms. Senate Democrats, protesting recent controversies including the fatal shootings of U.S. citizens during federal operations, blocked the bill, demanding measures such as agent identification, body cameras, and warrant requirements. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/7bf62bc50ca0a6a6013a714bee2ffdb4?utm_source=openai))

This funding lapse specifically affects DHS—not the broader federal government—with key agencies like TSA, FEMA, and the Coast Guard facing operational challenges. In contrast, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) are expected to continue largely unfettered thanks to prior-year funding allocated through separate legislation. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/13/dhs-shutdown-congress/?utm_source=openai))

TSA employees—about 95% designated “essential”—will continue screening passengers at airports, but they will do so without pay. Officials warn that this could lead to increased absences, longer wait times, and potential disruptions in air travel if the shutdown persists. Many workers are still recovering from the financial impact of last year’s prolonged shutdown. ([time.com](https://time.com/7378267/government-shutdown-ice-congress-homeland-security/?utm_source=openai))

At FEMA, essential emergency response and disaster relief functions will continue, supported by existing funds. However, certain operations—such as training for first responders at the National Disaster and Emergency Management University—will face disruptions, and long-term disaster planning coordination with state and local partners will be severely compromised. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/11/homeland-security-shutdown-ice/a83d2fce-0772-11f1-b196-5e1986b3575c_story.html/?utm_source=openai))

The Coast Guard and Secret Service will also continue operating without pay, though the shutdown will delay hiring, new contracts, and program reforms. Cybersecurity agencies within DHS warn that shutdown-related disruptions will degrade their ability to provide “timely and actionable guidance” to help public and private sectors defend against persistent cyber threats. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/02/11/homeland-security-shutdown-ice/a83d2fce-0772-11f1-b196-5e1986b3575c_story.html/?utm_source=openai))

Why it matters locally: While Kelso, Longview, and the broader Cowlitz County region may not experience shutdown impacts directly, there are notable indirect consequences.

• Air travel disruptions due to TSA staffing issues could affect residents traveling through regional or hub airports.

• Emergency management and disaster response support may be delayed or weakened at the state level, particularly for coordination and reimbursement processes tied to FEMA.

• Cybersecurity guidance and support for local infrastructure—such as schools, healthcare, or utilities—could slow, increasing risk in already vulnerable sectors.

• With ICE and CBP continuing enforcement operations, changes in immigration policy or enforcement tactics may still impact communities, especially those with immigrant and mixed-status populations.

Why this matters:
Local governments and residents should remain informed about implications, particularly if air travel plans are involved or in case of natural disasters where FEMA partnerships could be constrained.

Community organizations and elected officials should monitor disruptions in emergency preparedness, advocate for clarity and stability, and be prepared to fill gaps in coordination or training programmes.

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Pending resolution of the DHS funding impasse, operations will remain in flux. As of now, the shutdown is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. Saturday—but lawmakers could still reach a short-term agreement to restore funding.

Local officials and readers are encouraged to follow updates from state emergency management, airport authorities, and congressional representation for developments that directly impact the Longview–Kelso area.

Sources:
Associated Press: “What to know about the Homeland Security shutdown starting this weekend”
Washington Post: “Much of DHS set to shut down…”
Time: “Homeland Security Shutdown All But Certain…”
PBS NewsHour: “What services are affected by the Homeland Security shutdown?”